Fluorescence polarization: past, present and future

Comb Chem High Throughput Screen. 2003 May;6(3):167-73. doi: 10.2174/138620703106298347.

Abstract

Fluorescence polarization was first observed in 1920 and during the next few decades the theoretical foundations of the phenomenon were clearly established. In the last two decades of the 20(th) century, fluorescence polarization became one of the most prevalent methods used in clinical and biomedical sciences. In this article we review the history of fluorescence polarization, its theoretical foundations and some of the more important practical developments, which helped to popularize the method. We also discuss important, but often misunderstood, practical considerations including the wavelength dependence of the limiting polarization and the effect of energy transfer on polarization. The present state of fluorescence polarization, both in pure research as well as in the applied biosciences is also reviewed. Finally, we speculate on possible future developments in the field, such as the use of multi-photon techniques.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Energy Transfer
  • Fluorescence Polarization*
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Spectrophotometry

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes